TURKEY: “The Seven Churches of Revelation”

with The Square (Atlanta, GA).

October 12-22, 2024

(Program #241002, Taught by Dr. Smith).

Day 1: DEPARTURE DAY (Saturday, October 12, 2024)

Flights are from an east coast gateway (ATL). Overnight: in flight.

Day 2: ARRIVAL in ISTANBUL (Sunday, October 13, 2024).

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner this evening and introductions. Overnight: Istanbul (1 of 3). D

Day 3: ISTANBUL (Monday, October 14, 2024).

The historic and grand city (ancient Constantinople) will be our backdrop to look at the period of expansion in the early centuries of the church. During these next two days, we will deal with the unique fusion of east and west that can be seen in Istanbul. This will provide the backdrop to discuss issues of the period of the Apostolic and Apologetic Fathers, including 1) The canon of the Scripture; 2) The order and formalization of creedal doctrine; 3) The structural footprint of the church (how the church became a political force and at what cost).  

Understanding east and west comes from experiencing them both. To that end, we selected six experiences for you.  After breakfast, we will have a classroom introduction to our program (1.5 hours) and then visit:

1) The collection at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum (grandeur of the past), 

2) A brief view of the park area where the ancient Hippodrome once stood (the volatility of power in decline), 

3) The Grand Bazaar (the powerful commercial base) and 

4) The Aya Irini (the acknowledgment of Holy Scripture). After these, we will have dinner and a relaxing overnight at our hotel. Overnight: Istanbul (2 of 3). B,D 

Day 4: ISTANBUL (Tuesday, October 15, 2024).

Continuing our theme discussing the early period of Christianity, we will continue our seven experiences with: 

5) Aya Sophia (structured power of heaven and earth). 

6) Turkish bath (comfort, the earth and heaven) for a unique but wonderful cultural experience! Our day will end again with dinner and a relaxing time at the hotel. Overnight: Istanbul (3 of 3). B,D

Day 5: SMYRNA / IZMIR (Wednesday, October 16, 2024).

Today we begin the ongoing theme of seven heart problems that effect Jesus followers as taken from His letters to seven churches. The first we will visit is to Smyrna, where we learn about “Fear and Heart Health: When opposition presses us and has a chilling effect on our faithfulness.” After a morning flight to Izmir, we will visit sites in the city, including the walled Citadel, an excellent view of the harbor and the St. Polycarp Church. Overnight: Izmir (1 of 2) B,D

Day 6: PERGAMUM / BERGAMA (Thursday, October 17, 2024).

Our second of the seven churches visits will be at Pergamum, where we look at “Exhaustion and Heart Health: When we join the corps of the unfaithful because we feel we just can’t fight ‘City Hall’ anymore.” After breakfast, we will journey by motor coach to Bergama (Pergamum, 2 h 20m) via a beautiful coast road: Acropolis, Great Theatre, area of altar of Zeus. Nearby, visit the Red Basilica; walk through the Asklepion, the famous medical center of antiquity. Overnight: Izmir (2 of 2). B,D

Day 7: THYATIRA / AKHISAR - SARDIS / SART – PHILADELPHIA / ALASEHIR (Friday, October 18, 2024)

Today we will visit the ancient sites of three of the churches, and continue the “heart health” theme, first with a visit to Thyatira, where we examine “Complacency and Heart Health: When we tolerate immorality because we don’t want to cause a conflict.” Next, we travel and visit the ancient city of Sardis, where we learn about “Apathy and Heart Health: When we allow the weakness to spread unchecked by vigilance and defense of the truth.” Finally, we make our way to ancient Philadelphia, and study a bit on “the Feeling of Insignificance and Heart Health – When we feel tiny and won’t push to deliberately build the body of believers.” For travel planning, after breakfast, we plan to depart our hotel in Izmir for the visit of Akhisar (Thyatira, 1h45m). From there we travel south to Sart (Sardis, 1 h20m), visit ruins of the Temple of Artemis, Royal Road, gymnasium, and synagogue. Travel on to the modest ruins of Alasehir (Philadelphia, 1 h). On to Hierapolis area. Overnight: Pamukkale /Hierapolis area (1 of 2). B,D

Day 8: HIERAPOLIS – PAMMUKALE - LAODICEA. (Saturday, October 19, 2024)

Today we visit HIERAPOLIS and her sister city at Laodicea, where we will discuss “Distraction and Heart Health – When we focus so much on this world’s success, we forget this isn’t the real world.” This morning we will depart first for a visit of Hierapolis, Pamukkale, and Laodikeia (25 m, Laodicea), then return to our spa hotel for refreshment. Overnight: Pamukkale / Heirapolis area (2 of 2). B,D

Day 9: HIERAPOLIS – COLOSSAE - APHRODISIAS – KUSADASI (Sunday, October 20, 2024)

Taking a break from the Revelation letters, we will climb up onto the ruins of Colossae and discuss the writing of Paul to the Colossians (and the foundations of conflict in pseudo-sciences, while also addressing the small letter of Philemon. After 0ur visit, we will travel to the ruins of Colossae’s ancient “sister city” of Aphrodisias, before driving to our hotel for dinner near Ephesus. Overnight: Kusadasi (1 of 2). B,D

Day 10: EPHESUS / SELCUK (Monday, October 21, 2024)

Today we complete our theme of the seven churches at the monumental excavations in Ephesus, where we will look at “Priorities and Heart Health: When we neglect our walk with God and our heart becomes unhealthy.” This includes a full day tour of Ephesus including the Arcadian Way, the Fountain of Trajan, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre. Visit to the Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Double Church), where the Third Ancient Council convened. The Basilica of St. John. Visit the Museum of Ephesus for an up-close look at artifacts from the ancient city. Overnight: Kusadasi (2 of 2). B,D

Day 11: IZMIR – ISTANBUL (Tuesday, October 22, 2024)

After breakfast, we travel to the Izmir Airport for our flight to Istanbul. Soon, we will be home, refreshed and thinking about how to manage our heart more effectively!

TOUR CONDITIONS

October 12-22, 2024 TURKEY PROGRAM PRICE includes hotels, buffet breakfast and dinner as listed on program, tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of English-speaking lecturers, digital resource notebook, local guide (where required) and all entrance fees to sites as listed in the program. All taxes and surcharges in effect as of February 19, 2024 are included. If additional surcharges or taxes are imposed by the airlines or governments, any additional amounts will be the responsibility of the passenger. This program will operate with a minimum of 15 participants.

NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for COVID compliance (there are none at the time of this publication); personal items such as laundry; meals not specified as included in program, drinks and coffee during or after meals; lunches, tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; optional travel insurance.

WE KINDLY REQUEST THAT ALL PASSENGERS purchase insurance to care for any disruptions or cancellations because of health issues, etc. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) is available through some companies, but can be quite pricey. Do some research and get the plan that will best cover you. CTSP does not sell or recommend insurance companies.

YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on double occupancy in a four-star (where available) rooms with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $600.00 for the land portion if you prefer a single room. Individuals enrolling without a roommate may request to be matched with a roommate. In the event that a roommate is not available, individuals will be subject to the single supplement charge. All single rooms are subject to availability and may be smaller than normal twin rooms. 

PAYMENT: A nonrefundable deposit of $400 per person, is required to secure your place on the program. A second payment of $1,500 per person is due July 12, 2024. Final payment is due by February 2, 2024. Deposits received within six (6) months of departure require a total initial payment of the deposit and second payment amount. Thereafter, a late payment fee of $100 per person per month will be assessed.

FINAL PAYMENTS ARE DUE IN CTSP OFFICE BY JULY 12, 2024.

CANCELLATION FEES: 

90+ days prior….. non-refundable deposit 

66-90 days prior….. 50% plus non-refundable deposit

0-65 days prior….. No refund 

*If your cancellation results in a roommate needing a single supplement, that amount will be charged to you in addition to the above fees.

*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.

TRIP INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Insurance is recommended on all international journeys. Insurance policies purchased within two weeks of CTSP receiving original deposit provide the best value, and may cover pre-existing conditions (read the inclusion statements from your provider very carefully). See www.SquareMouth.com to help you compare various companies to make an informed purchase of insurance. We are a travel service, not an insurer, and we don’t want you to lose your investment should something keep you from joining us!

ITINERARY LENGTH: Participant’s flight times are subject to change without advance notice. CTSP is not responsible for changes and delays in airline schedules and does not reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from delays. Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, if you purchase connecting tickets, CTSP strongly recommends they be ones which can be changed without heavy fees and penalties. If airline(s) change flight schedules, CTSP reserves the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary accordingly, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. If changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged (per person, per night) US$180 double occupancy, or US$290 for single rooms (includes single supplement).

AIRLINE ARRANGEMENTS are the responsibility of each participant. Please contact our customer service line should you need assistance at (800) 371-4485 Ext 1.

YOUR LUGGAGE is restricted in size and shape by the airline, and is limited to one checked piece, plus carry on. You should contact the airline for the specific restrictions.

STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described in this brochure, and this represents the entire agreement between the passenger and CTSP No changes or deviations are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of CTSP. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the study program arrangements (during the course) or to make any representation of warranty concerning the program.

All prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to regulations and changes thereof by acts of Government, International Agreement and Airline tariff adjustments, rules and regulations.

CTSP reserves the right to change or withdraw the program, in whole or in part, at any time. In the event of a change, the sole exclusive obligation of CTSP will be to refund pro rata any recoverable payment received. In the event of rescheduling of the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation and refund clause will apply. CTSP reserves the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of CTSP, incapable of or detrimental to group travel.

Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, CTSP assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconveniences, illness, irregularity or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of CTSP, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disaster, closures of airports or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence, or omission of any by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this program. 

The commercial carriers are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on-board commercial carriers. The passenger contracts, in use by all commercial carriers involved, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the commercial carriers and the passenger or purchaser of this program and/or passage and program operator assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.

ENROLLMENT in and payment of the deposit for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the Program Conditions and Statement of Responsibility.